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Home Dozer

In memory of Dozer

By Nagi Maehashi
4,790 Comments
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Published9 Feb '26 Updated2 Mar '26

I held his paw and slept by his side for 14 days in hospital. But it turned out, all the love in the world wasn’t enough to save him. Thus begins the final post on Life of Dozer.

My dearest Dozer,

You came into my life in my arms, holding you protectively. And after almost 14 years together, I held you in my arms protectively again as I said goodbye.

I was sobbing so hard, I forgot everything I wanted to say to you in our final moments together.

So I started writing this letter to you, to say all those things.

I wanted to reminisce about our wonderful times – the thousands of visits to the dog beach, all the wonderful food we sampled together, the cuddles, the neck-scratching-sessions, our road trips.

Dozer Nagi at Bayview May 2022

I wanted to thank you for spreading the joy that is you with readers all around the world, for happily coming along with me to meet readers at events, book signings, fund raisers, lunches, dinners, not to mention TV shows, photo shoots, and my gosh, we can’t forget our stint on Play School!

Nagi and Dozer on Studio 10 Channel 10 cookbook publicity tour
Nagi-Dozer-Roundhouse-Crystalbrook-Newcastle-photos-by-Megan-Evans-Photography-5

But as I sit here, typing away with tears streaming down my face, I realise that’s not what I want to say to you.

What I want to say is thank you.

Thank you for giving me your whole heart.

Thank you for giving me your unconditional loyalty.

Thank you for loving me just as I am, for all my flaws, for never caring what I weigh, what I wear, what I look like.

Thank you for always being there, my one constant through the good and bad times.

Thank you for making me smile, even on the hardest of days.

And thank you for trying so hard to stay with me as long as you could, fighting to heal until your very last day. I will never forget how deep you had to dig to find the strength for your rehab walk on our final morning together.

I know that one day, I will be able to look at photos of you again without sobbing. And I know all this pain I am feeling is because I loved you so fiercely and completely, and I wouldn’t trade it for a second I got to spend with you.

But right now, four days after saying goodbye, it feels like the heartbreak will never heal, like I will never smile again.

Rest in peace, my darling Dozer. I will never forget you, and I will never stop loving you.

Love,

Your mum xoxo

Thank you SASH

To the vets and nurses at the Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH),

Thank you for the extraordinary care, skill, and kindness you showed Dozer. Every moment, from the medical expertise to the gentle reassurance and cheering him on, meant more to me than I can say. Knowing he was in such capable, compassionate hands gave me comfort during the hardest days. I will always be deeply grateful for everything you did for my beautiful boy. – Nagi x

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4,790 Comments

  1. Marilyn Ashman says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:31 pm

    Dear Nagi,
    My Heartfelt Condolences for your loss of Family and Friend, Dozer.
    I believe his Spirit will be near to you as life goes along. May His Soul Run Free Over the Rainbow Bridge, where those before him Celebrate Dozer’s Arrival. Till you meet again.

    Reply
  2. Jenny Sparkes says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:31 pm

    And tears are running down my face Nagi too. Dozer was much loved and admired. I don’t know how you managed to look after him and keep going flat out. He lived an exceptional life and will always be with you every step of the way. He will bring you peace and solace, there is no doubt about that. We will all miss him greatly. Jx

    Reply
  3. Melissa Davis-Brown says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:30 pm

    Oh Nagi I’m so very sorry you and Dozer had to say goodbye. What a lucky soul he was to have been so loved and cherished, and what a gift to have him in your life for so long. It’s never long enough, but what wonderful memories he’s given you. 💔🐾

    Reply
  4. Susan says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:30 pm

    You will someday realize that your love was definitely enough, you gave each other the true gift of unconditional love and support. You will always have that in your heart to guide you, especially during this difficult time. Be kind to yourself, it sounds like your Dozer would want you to smile in between all the tears you shed for him. May God bless you both.

    Reply
  5. mswrkmn says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:30 pm

    Nagi, I am so sorry for your loss. I still miss my dear ole lab, Annie who passed in 2018.
    I love all of my pups (2 now), but she will always hold a special place in my heart, like your Dozer. Love and hugs to you from California, XOXO

    Reply
  6. Ray Salazar says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:30 pm

    My heart goes out to you. I’m a dog lover and I get attached to them. My condolences go out to you on the loss of your best friend.
    Take care and thanks for sharing this story of Dozer.

    Reply
  7. Helena says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:30 pm

    Thinking of you Nagi. May you rest in so much love, Dozer 🩵

    Reply
  8. ROSEMARY says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:30 pm

    Your words are so beautiful, like a prayer for Dozer & shows what a jewel of a human heart you have. You will always dream & think of him, just as I always still dream of my beautiful little white poodle, Ellie. But, you were very fortunate to have had him to love. Lol, Rosemary

    Reply
  9. Matt Gibson says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:30 pm

    The tears flowed freely as I read this, both in sharing your pain and the memory of the loss of Tiny my Irish Wolfhound a couple of years ago. The pain does not go away, but it does become easier to smile and laugh at the memories and photos of our lost family members – because that is what they are. The tears will still come, but not in the flood that happens without warning in the weeks and months following the loss. And yes as time goes by, and the memories jump to front of mind as you visit places you shared with Dozer, you will be able to smile as the tears come. In those moments the love seems to outshine the pain, and the memories of joy make the tears less painful. my heart goes out to you.

    Reply
  10. Ann says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:30 pm

    My thoughts are with you Nagi. I hope that the memories of “better times” will help you during the weeks ahead. Sending love and hugs from Ashburton NZ

    Reply
  11. Einzel says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:30 pm

    My deepest condolences Nagi, and may the pain ease soon and all the love and memories remain. Thank you for sharing you and Dozer’s journey with us.

    Reply
  12. Ken says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:30 pm

    So sorry for your loss and the pain you’re feeling. Thank you for sharing this time with us all.
    RIP and safe journey.

    Reply
  13. Sabine says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:30 pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss. We grieve as deeply as we love. Pleaae take your time. Hugs to you.

    Reply
  14. Marina says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:30 pm

    Dear Nagi, So very sorry to hear your sad news 😔😢
    What a great life Dozer had with you – Thank you so much for allowing us to share Dozer’s life with you. RIP sweet Dozer 🐾❤️

    Reply
  15. Lou says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:30 pm

    Oh Nagi
    There are no words that will help right now.
    Your life will not be the same… and
    Your heart will always have the heartache left by the loss of beautiful, funny, loving Dozer.

    Dozer will be a part of your soul and soooooo many of your readers forever.

    Rest in peace Dozer, your a good boy!! 🥺❤️‍🩹

    Reply
  16. Helen Harrington says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:30 pm

    We are all here beside you Nagi, I know you can feel the love we have for you and Dozer. ❤️‍🩹

    Reply
  17. Hazel Sarginson says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:30 pm

    So very sorry for your loss. I loved reading about Dozer and his adventures. He will be greatly missed. RIP old lad.

    Reply
  18. Noli says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:30 pm

    I was hoping, I wanted… I am truly sorry. I know what it is to loose a loved one, someone so special, someone that brought so much joy and filled our life. I’ll tell you what I told myself when I went through the same you are going through, he is not suffering anymore, he is happy running and playing and talking naps and you will see him some day. But now, you have the right to feel exactly the way you feel 🩵

    Reply
  19. Lou says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:30 pm

    Oh Nagi
    There are no words that will help right now.
    Your life will not be the same…
    Your heart will always have the heartache left by the loss of beautiful, funny, loving Dozer.

    Dozer will be a part of your soul and soooooo many of your readers forever.

    Rest in peace Dozer, your a good boy!! 🥺❤️‍🩹

    Reply
  20. Jo Ramsay says

    February 9, 2026 at 4:30 pm

    Your beautiful tribute to Dozer brought tears to my eyes .He is in doggy heaven.RIP Dozer

    Reply
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